Tool carrying apparatus

ABSTRACT

A tool carrying apparatus that is configured to allow a user to couple a tool to a belt wherein the present invention provides elements so as to inhibit dropping of the tool while carrying. The present invention includes a securing bar that is operably coupled to a tool and further includes a second end having a tool mount member thereon. The tool mount member includes a mounting disk wherein the mounting disk has a circumferential edge having a flat portion. The mounting disk is rotated between a first position and a second position. A belt member is provided wherein the belt member includes a first portion and second portion. A receiving channel is formed in the first portion and includes an offset portion in the lower end. A slot is formed in the second portion and is aligned with the receiving channel.

PRIORITY UNDER 35 U.S.C. SECTION 119(E) & 37 C.F.R. SECTION 1.78

This nonprovisional application claims priority based upon the following prior United States Provisional patent application entitled: Tool Carrying Apparatus, Application No.: 63/048,635 filed Jul. 6, 2020, in the name of Paul Eric St. Jacques, which is hereby incorporated by reference for all purposes.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally tool accessories, more specifically but not by way of limitation, a tool carrying apparatus that facilitates the ability for an individual to carry a hand tool such as but not limited to a cordless drill wherein the present invention positions the hand tool on a user by incorporating a belt and tool attachment member.

BACKGROUND

As is known in the art, craftsman and tradesman utilize various types of hand tools during the execution of their craft or trade. By way of example but not limitation, carpenters and electricians will utilize tools such as but not limited to cordless drills. These conventional drills are battery operated that allow a less restricted use of the device while on a job site and as such the tradesman is often moving between various locations on the site to complete the necessary tasks involved in the job. Routinely, as a tradesman moves around a given job site there is a need to carry the various tools that might be needed in order to execute the tasks.

Conventional techniques of transporting tools can be as simple of a technique as carrying by hand or using carrying cases or implements such as but not limited to carts. For some of the latter, these techniques can be cumbersome and further require the engagement of the user, which can present some additional inconveniences and/or safety risks. Some of the conventional techniques do not provide any securing elements or techniques and as such it can be common for the hand tool to be dropped, which can cause damage to the tool or present a safety hazard on the job site.

It is intended within the scope of the present invention to provide a tool carrying apparatus that is configured to provide a secure hands free technique of carrying a hand tool wherein the apparatus of the present incorporates a belt member and a tool attachment member.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is the object of the present invention to provide a tool carrying apparatus operable to provide hands free carrying of a hand tool wherein the apparatus of the present invention includes a belt member that is operably secure to a belt.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a hand tool carrier that is configured to assist a user in the carrying of a hand tool wherein the belt member includes a body being generally square in shape having an outer wall.

A further object of the present invention is to provide a tool carrying apparatus operable to provide hands free carrying of a hand tool wherein the outer wall includes a slot formed therein.

Still another object of the present invention is to provide a hand tool carrier that is configured to assist a user in the carrying of a hand tool wherein the slot includes an opening and is further configured to define a receiving channel formed in the body of the belt member.

An additional object of the present invention is to provide a tool carrying apparatus operable to provide hands free carrying of a hand tool wherein the receiving channel includes an offset formation configured to engage a portion of the tool attachment member so as to inhibit the hand tool from becoming disconnected from the belt member.

Yet a further object of the present invention is to provide a hand tool carrier that is configured to assist a user in the carrying of a hand tool wherein the tool attachment member of the present invention includes a tool securing bar member that is configured to be secured to a hand tool and extend outward therefrom.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a tool carrying apparatus operable to provide hands free carrying of a hand tool wherein the tool securing bar member is formed so as to include a portion that is parallel with a portion of the hand tool to which too securing bar member is secured.

An alternate object of the present invention is to provide a hand tool carrier that is configured to assist a user in the carrying of a hand tool wherein the tool attachment member further includes a tool mount member wherein the tool mount member is operably coupled to the tool securing bar member.

Still a further object of the present invention is to provide a tool carrying apparatus operable to provide hands free carrying of a hand tool wherein the tool mount member a stem portion wherein the stem portion extends outward from the tool securing bar member.

An additional object of the present invention is to provide a hand tool carrier that is configured to assist a user in the carrying of a hand tool wherein the stem portion has secured thereto distal to the tool securing bar member a mounting disk.

A further object of the present invention is to provide a tool carrying apparatus operable to provide hands free carrying of a hand tool wherein the mounting disk is annular in shape having a flat portion formed on the circumferential edge thereof.

An alternative objective of the present invention is to provide a hand tool carrier that is configured to assist a user in the carrying of a hand tool wherein the flat portion of the mounting disk is operable to engage the offset portion of the channel of the belt member in order to ensure unintentional disconnection between the tool attachment member and the belt member.

Yet a further object of the present invention is to provide a tool carrying apparatus operable to provide hands free carrying of a hand tool wherein the tool and tool attachment member are rotatably oriented in order to facilitate the coupling and/or decoupling thereof.

An alternative object of the present invention is to provide a hand tool carrier that is configured to assist a user in the carrying of a hand tool wherein the tool is rotated approximately one hundred and eighty degrees ensuing the insertion of the mounting disk in the channel in order to effectively secure the hand tool to the belt member.

To the accomplishment of the above and related objects the present invention may be embodied in the form illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Attention is called to the fact that the drawings are illustrative only. Variations are contemplated as being a part of the present invention, limited only by the scope of the claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

A more complete understanding of the present invention may be had by reference to the following Detailed Description and appended claims when taken in conjunction with the accompanying Drawings wherein:

FIG. 1 is a front view of the tool member present invention secured to an exemplary tool;

FIG. 2 is a detailed view of the tool mount member disassembled;

FIG. 3 is a detailed view of the tool mount member assembled;

FIG. 4 is a detailed end view of the tool mount member;

FIG. 5 is a detailed view of the first portion and second portion of the belt member of the present invention;

FIG. 6 is a detailed view of the assembled belt portion.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Referring now to the drawings submitted herewith, wherein various elements depicted therein are not necessarily drawn to scale and wherein through the views and figures like elements are referenced with identical reference numerals, there is illustrated a tool carrying apparatus 100 constructed according to the principles of the present invention.

An embodiment of the present invention is discussed herein with reference to the figures submitted herewith. Those skilled in the art will understand that the detailed description herein with respect to these figures is for explanatory purposes and that it is contemplated within the scope of the present invention that alternative embodiments are plausible. By way of example but not by way of limitation, those having skill in the art in light of the present teachings of the present invention will recognize a plurality of alternate and suitable approaches dependent upon the needs of the particular application to implement the functionality of any given detail described herein, beyond that of the particular implementation choices in the embodiment described herein. Various modifications and embodiments are within the scope of the present invention.

It is to be further understood that the present invention is not limited to the particular methodology, materials, uses and applications described herein, as these may vary. Furthermore, it is also to be understood that the terminology used herein is used for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only, and is not intended to limit the scope of the present invention. It must be noted that as used herein and in the claims, the singular forms “a”, “an” and “the” include the plural reference unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Thus, for example, a reference to “an element” is a reference to one or more elements and includes equivalents thereof known to those skilled in the art. All conjunctions used are to be understood in the most inclusive sense possible. Thus, the word “or” should be understood as having the definition of a logical “or” rather than that of a logical “exclusive or” unless the context clearly necessitates otherwise. Structures described herein are to be understood also to refer to functional equivalents of such structures. Language that may be construed to express approximation should be so understood unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

References to “one embodiment”, “an embodiment”, “exemplary embodiments”, and the like may indicate that the embodiment(s) of the invention so described may include a particular feature, structure or characteristic, but not every embodiment necessarily includes the particular feature, structure or characteristic.

Referring in particular to the Figures submitted herewith, the tool carrying apparatus 100 further includes a tool mount member 10 wherein the tool mount member 10 is configured to be coupled to the end 6 of the securing bar 5. The securing bar 5 is secured to exemplary tool 99 utilizing suitable mechanical techniques. The securing bar 5 includes a u-shaped section 4 that is contiguous with upper section 3 wherein the upper section 3 is in a position such that it is parallel with the housing of the exemplary tool having a void therebetween. The tool mount member 10 is secured to the upper section 3 proximate end 6 utilizing suitable mechanical techniques.

The tool mount member 10 is manufactured from a durable rigid material such as but not limited to metal. The tool mount member 10 includes a stem portion 12 having a first end 13 and second end 14 wherein the stem portion 12 is cylindrical in shape. Secured to the second end 14 of the stem portion 12 is a securing disk 15. The securing disk 15 is annular in shape and is positioned so as to be adjacent the upper section 3 proximate end 6 when the tool mount member 10 is fastened to the securing bar 5. Fastening disk 18 is located opposite the upper section 3 of the securing bar 5 and is configured to receive end 91 of fastener 90 so as to facilitate assembly of the tool mount member 10 as illustrated herein in FIG. 3. It should be noted that in FIG. 3 the tool mount member 10 is illustrated not being coupled to the securing bar 5. Fastener 90 is a conventional screw but it should be understood within the scope of the present invention that alternate types of fasteners could be utilized to assemble the tool mount member 10.

The tool mount member 10 includes mounting disk 20. The mounting disk 20 is annular in shape and is secured to the first end of the stem portion 12 utilizing fastener 90. The mounting disk 20 is manufactured so as to have a diameter that can be slidably received into the receiving channel 40 as will be further discussed herein. Mounting disk 20 includes a circumferential edge 21 wherein the circumferential edge 21 includes a flat portion 22 wherein the flat portion 22 will function to releasably secure the tool mount member 10 into the receiving channel 40 as will be further discussed herein. The flat portion 22 creates a shape of the mounting disk 20 that is less than completely annular.

Referring now to FIGS. 5 and 6, the tool carrying apparatus 100 includes a belt member 30. The belt member 30 is configured to be operably secured to a user's belt through conventional techniques such as but not limited to mechanical fasteners. It should be understood within the scope of the present invention that the belt member 30 could be secured to various tool carrying articles of clothing, belts and similar items. The belt member 30 includes a first portion 32 and a second portion 34 wherein the second portion 34 is secured to the first portion 32 and a void is present therebetween. The first portion 32 includes an opening 33 along upper edge 35. Opening 33 is contiguously formed with receiving channel 40 and provides access thereto so as to allow the mounting disk 20 to be slidably engaged therewith. Receiving channel 40 is defined by the first lateral edge 41 and second lateral edge 42 that are on opposing sides of the receiving channel 40. It should be understood within the scope of the present invention that the receiving channel 40 is formed of a length sufficient to accommodate the mounting disk therein and allow rotation thereof while fully disposed within the receiving channel 40.

The receiving channel 40 includes lower end 44 that is formed to have a greater width than the rest of the receiving channel 40. Specifically, the first lateral edge 41 includes an outwardly curved portion 47 that creates an offset section 48 in the lower end 44 of the receiving channel 40. The offset section 48 is operably to engage the mounting disk 20, in particular the flat portion 22 thereof ensuing rotation of the mounting disk 20 so as to inhibit the release of the mounting disk 20 until a counter rotation has been applied. Ensuing the insertion of the mounting disk 20 into the receiving channel 40 and upon the mounting disk 20 being proximate the lower end 44, the tool mount member 10 is rotated approximately one hundred and eighty degrees wherein the tool 99 will be suspended upside down and the mounting disk 20 is engaged with the offset section 48 so as to inhibit upward movement thereof. In order to release the tool 99, the tool 99 and as such the tool mount member 10 must be counter rotated the one hundred and eighty degrees so as to position the mounting disk 20 in order to allow the mounting disk 20 to traverse upwards in the receiving channel 40. While a particular embodiment of the receiving channel 40 has been discussed an illustrated herein, it is contemplated within the scope of the present invention that the receiving channel 40 could be constructed having a lower end of alternate formations so as to releasably secure the mounting disk 20 ensuing receipt thereof.

The belt member 30 includes second portion 34 and as discussed herein is superposed the first portion 32. The second portion 34 is manufactured to be the same size as the first portion 32 and includes slot 55 formed in the outer wall 56 thereof. Slot 55 is aligned with the receiving channel 40 and facilitates the travel of the stem portion 12 in an upwards-downwards movement during utilization of the tool carrying apparatus 100. An opening 57 is present at the upper end of the slot 55 wherein the opening 57 is opposedly bordered by sections 58,59 that are angularly oriented inwards towards opening 57. Sections 58,59 provide guidance for the stem portion 12 so as to improve the ease of the operable coupling of the tool mount member 10 with the belt member 30.

In the preceding detailed description, reference has been made to the accompanying drawings that form a part hereof, and in which are shown by way of illustration specific embodiments in which the invention may be practiced. These embodiments, and certain variants thereof, have been described in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice the invention. It is to be understood that other suitable embodiments may be utilized and that logical changes may be made without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention. The description may omit certain information known to those skilled in the art. The preceding description is, therefore, not intended to be limited to the specific forms set forth herein, but on the contrary, it is intended to cover such alternatives, modifications, and equivalents, as can be reasonably included within the spirit and scope of the invention. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A tool carrying apparatus that is configured to assist a user carry a tool and inhibit dropping thereof wherein the tool carrying apparatus comprises: a securing bar, said securing bar having a first end and a second end, said first end being operably coupled to a tool; a tool mount member, said tool mount member having a stem portion, said stem portion having a first end and a second end, said tool mount member having a securing disk and a fastening disk secured to said second end of said stem portion, said fastening disk and said securing disk configured to operably couple to said second end of said securing bar, said tool mount member further including a mounting disk, said mounting disk being secured to said first end of said stem portion, said mounting disk having a first shape; and a belt member, said belt member including a first portion and a second portion, said second portion being superposed said first portion having a void therebetween, said first portion having a receiving channel formed therein, said receiving channel having an opening providing access thereto, said receiving channel having an upper end and a lower end, said lower end having a second shape wherein said second shape of said lower end is configured to operably couple with said first shape of said mounting disk so as to releasably secure said mounting disk within said lower end of said receiving channel.
 2. The tool carrying apparatus that is configured to assist a user carry a tool and inhibit dropping thereof as recited in claim 1, wherein the second portion of said belt member further includes a slot, said slot being aligned with said receiving channel of said first portion.
 3. The tool carrying apparatus that is configured to assist a user carry a tool and inhibit dropping thereof as recited in claim 2, wherein said mounting disk is rotatable between a first position and a second position, in said first position said mounting disk is operable to travel into said receiving channel so as to be placed proximate the lower end thereof.
 4. The tool carrying apparatus that is configured to assist a user carry a tool and inhibit dropping thereof as recited in claim 3, wherein in said second position, said mounting disk is rotated in said lower end of said receiving channel, wherein in said second position said mounting disk is secured within said lower end of said receiving channel.
 5. The tool carrying apparatus that is configured to assist a user carry a tool and inhibit dropping thereof as recited in claim 4, wherein the second portion of the belt member includes an opening at an upper end of the slot so as to facilitate passage of the stem portion into the slot.
 6. The tool carrying apparatus that is configured to assist a user carry a tool and inhibit dropping thereof as recited in claim 5, wherein said opening of said slot further includes angled section adjacent thereto on opposing sides thereof wherein the angled section are contiguous with an upper edge of the second portion.
 7. The tool carrying apparatus that is configured to assist a user carry a tool and inhibit dropping thereof as recited in claim 6, wherein the securing disk and the fastening disk have a portion of the securing bar therebetween.
 8. A tool carrying apparatus having a portion secured to a tool and a second portion secured to a belt of a user wherein the first portion and second portion operably engage so as to assist the user to carrying the tool while inhibiting the dropping thereof wherein the tool carrying apparatus comprises: a securing bar, said securing bar having a first end and a second end, said first end of said securing bar being coupled to the tool, said securing bar having a u-shaped section, said securing bar having a second section wherein the second section is parallel to a housing of the tool; a tool mount member, said tool mount member having a stem portion, said stem portion having a first end and a second end, said tool mount member having a securing disk and a fastening disk secured to said second end of said stem portion, said securing disk and said fastening disk being coupled to opposing sides of the second end of the securing bar and configured to maintain the securing bar therebetween, said tool mount member further including a mounting disk, said mounting disk being secured to said first end of said stem portion, said mounting disk being annular in shape, said mounting disk having a circumferential edge, said circumferential edge of said mounting disk having a flat portion, said mounting disk being rotatable between a first position and a second position; a belt member, said belt member including a first portion and a second portion, said second portion being superposed said first portion having a void therebetween, said first portion having a receiving channel formed therein, said receiving channel having an opening providing access thereto, said receiving channel having an upper end and a lower end, said receiving channel having a first lateral edge and a second lateral edge, said receiving channel having an offset portion proximate said lower end thereof; and wherein said offset portion is configured to releasably secure said mounting disk in said receiving channel subsequent said mounting disk being moved to said second position.
 9. The tool carrying apparatus as recited in claim 8, wherein said first lateral edge of said receiving channel include a portion having an outward curve so as to create said offset portion of said receiving channel.
 10. The tool carrying apparatus as recited in claim 9, wherein said second portion of said belt member is superposed said first portion, said second portion having an outer wall wherein the outer wall includes a slot formed therein.
 11. The tool carrying apparatus as recited in claim 10, wherein said slot is aligned with said receiving channel, said slot having an opening at an upper end of said slot.
 12. The tool carrying apparatus as recited in claim 11, wherein said lower end of said receiving channel has a width greater than that of the upper end of the receiving channel.
 13. The tool carrying apparatus as recited in claim 12, wherein said opening of said slot has opposing angled sections on opposing sides thereof so as to facilitate entry of said stem portion into said opening.
 14. The tool carrying apparatus as recited in claim 13, wherein said tool mount further includes a fastener, said fastener configured to secure said mounting disk to said first end of said stem portion. 